Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The League of Women Voters across the nation is conducting a study on the role of the Federal Government in public education. Two important meetings will take place in the south suburban region to help League members, and the public, better understand the issues involved in this study.
On Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 10 AM to 12 Noon in the Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive in Park Forest, Jill Liapis from the South Cook intermediate Service Center will explain how the Common Core Standards will impact how our students learn. Illinois is one of the states that has adopted the new standards and will begin to implement them in 2014. This meeting is open to the public.
On Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at the Palos Heights Library, 12501 South 71st Avenue (one block east of Harlem) in Palos Heights, Mr. Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability will explain public school funding and equity. Mr. Martire will speak about how local, state and federal funds support our public schools and how opportunities differ between schools. This meeting is open to the public.
These public meetings are intended to educate League members, and the public, on standards, practices and needs of our public education system. Discussion will include the effectiveness of programs like the No Child Left Behind Act and other mandates.
Local League members are currently studying these issues and will conduct a consensus to establish their position on what they think the role should be for the federal government in our public schools. The study included a review of our history which goes back to the very beginning of our Republic when a well-educated citizenry was thought to be essential to protect liberty and the general welfare of the people. The importance of quality education is still recognized as critical to the success of our country.
The local League consensus positions will be forwarded to the U.S. League of Women Voters for consideration with all other Leagues across the nation for the official position of the League.
